WINDHOEK – Christofina Hafeni, one of the ‘struggle kids’ was on Wednesday sentenced to serve four days in jail for taking photographs in court in the presence of a magistrate.
Hafeni was taking photographs with her cellphone when Magistrate Ivan Gawanab, who was presiding, took note of her. Hafeni informed the magistrate that she was taking the photographs to prove to her boss that she was in court. However, magistrate Gawanab remarked that it was a serious matter and said it is strictly forbidden to take photographs or video footage when court is in session. Currently 181 ‘struggle kids’ face charges of trespassing and loitering. The matter is being heard in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court.
The ‘struggle kids’ were arrested in April after they defied a court order barring them from camping at the corner of Leonard Auala and Hans-Dietrich Genscher streets in Katutura, next to the Swapo Party Head Office. The order also stated they may not unlawfully occupy any property belonging to the City of Windhoek. Hans Thourob represents the State in the matter.
By Tunomukwathi Asino